Universal background checks on guns clears Senate

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CARSON CITY, Nev. — A bill mandating background checks almost every time a gun changes hands has cleared the Nevada Senate.

After a lengthy debate Wednesday, senators voted 11-10 along party lines advancing SB221. It now heads to the Assembly.

Several Democrats say the bill is the start of better gun policies in the Silver State.

In an effort to eliminate any cost to the state, the bill was changed to funnel background checks on all private sales directly to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System through federal firearms dealers.

The bill also requires psychiatrists to report mental health patients who make specific threats.

Republicans opposing the measure offered an amendment meant to encourage more voluntary background checks, but that proposal died on a voice vote.